BLM Plans National Wide Sensitisation As It Launch Manyuchi Rebranded Condoms

Mary Mitochi

Banja La Mtsogolo (BLM) has assured Malawians that it will embark on national wide sensitization messages on the rebranded Manyuchi Condoms after the launching ceremony this Saturday 11th April at Silver Stadium in Area 47 in Lilongwe.

BLM's Director for Health Services Responsible for Operations, Mary Mitochi said in an interview that there is need for people across the country to understand modifications made to Manyuchi condoms and how important they are in the prevention of pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

Manyuchi condom new look

“We have planned lots of activities on Saturday including; poems, drama and music where Skeffa and Gwamba will be entertaining fans”

“But there, we want to give people the right information.” She said, “We want people to know what the rebranded Manyuchi is all about.”

“And we are not stopping there, we are touring the whole country from Chitipa to Nsanje just explaining what Manyuchi is, so that people who don’t come on Saturday have also a chance to listen to what this modified Maanyuchi condoms is all about.” Narrated Mitochi

Mary Mitochi further assured that as the sensitization messages will be ongoing, also before end of this year people will “be equally surprised” as BLM has so much more wrapped up waiting to give to Malawian nation.

Introduction of Manyuchi condom brand, is part of BLM’s Contraceptive Social Marketing Programe (CSM) project started in August 2004 to increase access to modern family planning services to the Malawi population aside BLM’s static clinic and outreach channels.

Manyuchi targets up market middle income consumers who find international condom brands to be too expensive but don’t want to use free condoms or condoms that are perceived cheep.

BLM Modifies Its Condom Brand ‘Manyuchi’

Nicky Mathews (Middle)

Banja La Mtsogolo (BLM) says has done some changes to its condom brand “Manyuchi” in response to consumer preference and making the product more relevant to all users.

The rebranding of Manyuchi comes as a result of market survey done by BLM last year and the changes on the product address the feedback got from the respondents.

Country Director for BLM, Nicky Mathews says as Manyuchi is the core part of Family Planning Services for the institution, they considered it more important to solicit views from its customers on Manyuchi condoms.

Manyuchi new look

“We are responding to the market research done last year (2014), now we have changed color and scent of Manyuchi condoms. We have an updated condom which is better than we had on the market before” she said

She also said BLM has also done this because they still want Manyuchi to remain relevant product which makes people happy and appealing to all users as people use it in prevention of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STI’s).

The BLM’s country director emphasized that the Manyuchi quality and some features remain unchanged but its strong scent has been reduced whereby now the condoms have a moderate chocolate scented from deep chocolate scent with new packet looks.

Nicky Mathews (Left) and Mary Mitochi (Right)

Mary Mitochi, BLM’s Director of Health Services responsible for Operations has indicated that the research involved interaction with 800 people whom, 77% were in favour of Manyuchi condoms. However, said they pointed out issues of color, scent and pocket friendly packets as only requests made for change. Mitochi said only sexually active persons and uses condoms were the participants of this research.

She has also expressed hope that people should not expect to deep more in their pockets as a result of this modification, however, Mitochi has acknowledged that a slight change of price might happen as retailers are the ones who determines the prices for condoms.

The modified Manyuchi will be launched this Saturday 11^th September, 2015 at Silver Stadium where among other activities include drama and Live musical performances by Gwamba and Skeffa Chimoto.